Archives for July 2019

July 22, 2019 by for_his_glory

NEW WINE – NEW MAN

God’s word can be literal and Spiritual as in the case of the wedding in Cana. The wedding represents the Spiritual being the union between Jesus and his bride whom are the children of God through repentance. Jesus brings his disciples to the wedding to show them the wonders of God through the renewal of his Spirit. I want you to see the relationship we have between the old self in the flesh and the new Spiritual rebirth in Christ. We are called the bride of Christ and I could not find any better example of this as in the story of the first wedding Jesus attended with his disciples, (Ref: John 2:1-11).

The word marriage represents our relationship with Jesus. We are called the bride of Christ which means when we become Spiritually born again or renewed in our spirit we become one in the Spirit that is in Christ and have communion with his life, death and resurrection. We are united with Jesus as one body that has been renewed through the Spirit that is God. We become as a bride to the bridegroom as we are joined together as one.

(Matthew 9:15; Revelation 21:9)

The word call means that we do not just happen to fall into a relationship with Jesus as we are called of God or predestined before the world began for Gods purpose and grace. Jesus brought his disciples to the wedding to witness God’s power and authority through the miracle of changing water into wine, which was Jesus first miracle. The water and the wine represent the word of God and his Spirit as a renewal of our body and soul through the salvation of Jesus.

(Jeremiah 1:5; 2 Timothy 1:9; John 3:5)

Wanting wine meant the disciples wanted understanding of those things Jesus was teaching them as they could not understand with their carnal minds, but did know that Jesus was a prophet sent by God. When Jesus said to his mother my time has not come yet he was speaking of his death and resurrection. Spiritual understanding could not come until Jesus ascended unto the Father and the Holy Spirit that is the Spirit of God be brought down from heaven to open our Spiritual eyes and ears to understand those teachings of Jesus while he walked the earth with his disciples.

(Romans 8:5-8; John 14:26)

The water pots in themselves are a Jewish tradition of placing these pots outside the wedding feast so everyone could wash their hands and feet before entering into the feast. The significance of there being six water pots of stone is that the number six represents the number of the beast or sinful nations that are being controlled by Satan using others to deceive man like he used a serpent to deceive Adam and Eve as Satan is a spirit that has no form and has to use whatever or whomever he can to work through to deceive man.

When Jesus asked the servants to fill the water pots with water and then he changed the water into wine is a Spiritual representation of the water being the word of God and the wine being the Holy Spirit as it is only by the word of God and his Holy Spirit that we can see the kingdom of God through a renewed Spiritual rebirth through repentance.

The governor asked Jesus why was the good wine served last after everyone was already drunk as he could not understand such a thing. In the beginning man was pure and knew no sin until they allowed themselves to be deceived by Satan who used the serpent to deceive them thus the knowledge of sin was revealed to them and extended to all generations. The good wine (Gods Spirit come to flesh in Jesus) was sacrificed for the atonement of sin as through repentance we now have the Holy Spirit (Spirit of God – new wine) that renews our inner man through the word of God that we can now have life eternal with the father.

(Revelation 13:18; John 1:14; Colossians 3:6; 12-14; Genesis 3:6, 7)

Before the dispensation of grace (Jesus) men were bound by the laws and traditions enforced by the Priest and the Scribes. The laws that were established by God were changed daily by the Pharisees so they could justify their own deeds of unrighteousness, By changing the laws this put men under bondage and they ended up dying in their sins for if you broke even one you were guilty of breaking them all because the law had no saving provisions in it and became a curse to men because they could not e justified by the laws.

(Galatians 3:10-12)

Jesus gave a parable about the old garment and old bottle which represents our old sin nature. When we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior through repentance this created a new Spiritual inner man and old things are passed away (sin) and remembered no more by God and all things become new once again.

You have two masters you can choose to serve as one is God and the other is self. If we have truly died to self (old garment, old bottle) and serve God then he clothes us in his robe of righteousness and we drink from the new bottle from the fountain of living water. There is no fence riding when it comes to our relationship with Jesus. You either trust him in all things or you deny him in all things. You can not put a new piece of garment on an old piece as it ruins the new garment if you cut into it. (Note: wine bottles were made from the hide of animals and if used to much the hide would wear out and split.)

(Luke 5:36-39; Matthew 6:24)

When the Pharisees saw Jesus sitting with such undeliverable type of people in their opinion they question his disciples why he would waste his time on those they deemed unworthy and Jesus overhearing their conversation told them that he came to call the sinner not the righteous back to the grace of God through repentance as the righteous already hold that which is of God in their hearts. The Pharisees could not understand what Jesus meant as they felt that anyone who did not support their interpretations of the laws of Moses would become an outcast forever.

Their interpretations of the laws, as they changed them daily, became more authoritative than the original ones God gave to Moses. The laws had become bondage and caused many to die in their sin for they could not keep all the laws as there were over 613 of them as I said before the Pharisees added to them daily to try and justify their own deeds. Jesus was sent of God to make an end to the curse of the law as he was made the final blood sacrifice to redeem us all from sin through repentance to bring us back to the grace of God.

(Matthew 9:10-13; Galatians 3:10-14)

Once again the Pharisees came against Jesus and his teachings for what he was teaching came against their own interpretations and traditions of the laws and as he was also teaching to the gentiles who were thought to be heathens as they worshipped other gods this angered those who held high office in the Priesthood in the Jewish nation. The Jewish people were bound by the laws as they were taught by the Priest and Rabbi in the Synagogue they also questioned Jesus about why his disciples did not fast as fasting was part of the law of purification and Jesus told them why would one fast for something they already had. He also told them that he would not always be with the people and they would fast again, but it would be another type of fast that the disciples of Jesus (us) would loose the bands of wickedness, to undo heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free and to break every yoke of bondage. The fast Jesus was talking about was to feed the hungry, help the poor and clothe the naked.

Fasting was not afflicting the soul as what would that bring about, but only ones own emotions of pain. Fasting is to take the word of God out to those who need to hear of Gods salvation and showing the actions of the word of God by helping those in need. The old bottle or the old wineskin (man under the law) was bound by the law or the interpretation of it, which only brought Spiritual death and literal death, but the new bottle or new wine skin (man under grace) has been set free from the curse of the law as the Holy Spirit has been given to us that renews Gods Spirit in us and teaches us the true knowledge of Gods spoken word.

(Matthew 9:14-17; Isaiah 58:5-8)

We have to be careful for what we are being taught by others so we will not fall into the bondage of traditional interpretations and preach a deceptive gospel that will cause others to stumble and separate themselves from grace, but rather we need to be teaching the acceptable word of God in all truths no matter what tries to come against us. You might think that anything taught from the pulpit is truth because after all these people are our teachers and they should know what they are speaking, but we are warned many times in the word of God to watch out for wolves in sheep’s clothing because Satan as a roaring lion is seeking to whom he can use to devour us. Learn to discern what is being taught to you so you can rightly divide the word of God to know what is truth or what is error as we will stand before God individually to give an account for what we have learned and taught others and there will be no excuses before the father as he has given us truth by his Spirit, but it was up to us to accept it or reject it.

Never take anyone’s word for what they teach unless they can back themselves up with scripture and you study it for yourself by asking the Holy Spirit to confirm if what you have been taught is truth or error and if you find error in those teachings it is up to you to go to them in love and compassion to show them where they have erred as when you do this you gain a brother, but if they refuse to hear you then shake the dust from your feet and move on. Never argue or debate Gods word for this will only bring foolishness on you and is not pleasing to the Father, but in all things let us bring glory and honor to the Lord by living in his will of love and show forth the good fruits of his grace.

(Acts 13:38, 39; 1 Peter 5:8; 1Timothy 1:4-7)

Genesis 3:6 (LEB)

WhenOr “And” the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was a delight to the eyes, and the tree was desirable to make one wise, thenOr “and” she took from its fruit and she ate. And she gave it also to her husband with her, and he ate.6WhenOr “And” the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was a delight to the eyes, and the tree was desirable to make one wise, thenOr “and” she took from its fruit and she ate. And she gave it also to her husband with her, and he ate.

Isaiah 58:5-8 (LEB)

Is the fast I choose like this, a day for humankind to humiliate himself“his soul”? To bow his head like a reed, and make“he makes” his bed on sackcloth and ashes; you call this a fast and a day of pleasure to Adonai?5Is the fast I choose like this, a day for humankind to humiliate himself“his soul”? To bow his head like a reed, and make“he makes” his bed on sackcloth and ashes; you call this a fast and a day of pleasure to Adonai?6Is this not the fast I choose: to release the bonds of injustice, to untie the ropes of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and tear“you must tear” every yoke to pieces?6Is this not the fast I choose: to release the bonds of injustice, to untie the ropes of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and tear“you must tear” every yoke to pieces?7Is it not to break your bread for the hungry? You must bring home“a house” the poor, the homeless. When you see the naked, you must cover him, and you must not hide yourself from your relatives.“flesh”7Is it not to break your bread for the hungry? You must bring home“a house” the poor, the homeless. When you see the naked, you must cover him, and you must not hide yourself from your relatives.“flesh”8Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall grow quickly. And your salvation shall go before you; the glory of Adonai will be your rear guard.8Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall grow quickly. And your salvation shall go before you; the glory of Adonai will be your rear guard.

Jeremiah 1:5 (LEB)

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you came out from the womb I consecrated you; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”5“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you came out from the womb I consecrated you; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Matthew 9:10-13 (LEB)

And it happened asHere “as” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“was dining”) he was dining“was reclining at table” in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners were coming andHere “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“were coming”) has been translated as a finite verb dining“reclining at table” with Jesus and his disciples.10And it happened asHere “as” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“was dining”) he was dining“was reclining at table” in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners were coming andHere “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“were coming”) has been translated as a finite verb dining“reclining at table” with Jesus and his disciples.11And when theyHere “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“saw”) which is understood as temporal saw it,*supplied from English context the Pharisees began to say to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”11And when theyHere “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“saw”) which is understood as temporal saw it,*supplied from English context the Pharisees began to say to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”12And when heHere “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“heard”) which is understood as temporal heard it,*supplied from English context he said, “Those who are healthy do not have need of a physician, but those who are sick.“having badly”12And when heHere “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“heard”) which is understood as temporal heard it,*supplied from English context he said, “Those who are healthy do not have need of a physician, but those who are sick.“having badly”13But go andHere “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“go”) has been translated as a finite verb learn what it means, “I want mercy and not sacrifice.”from Hos 6:6 (see also Matt 12:7) For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”13But go andHere “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“go”) has been translated as a finite verb learn what it means, “I want mercy and not sacrifice.”from Hos 6:6 (see also Matt 12:7) For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Matthew 9:14-17 (LEB)

On FastingThen the disciples of JohnThat is, John the Baptist approached him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?”14On FastingThen the disciples of JohnThat is, John the Baptist approached him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?”15And Jesus said to them, “The bridegroom’s attendants“the sons of the bridal chamber” are not able to mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them. But days are coming when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.15And Jesus said to them, “The bridegroom’s attendants“the sons of the bridal chamber” are not able to mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them. But days are coming when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.16But no one puts a patch of unshrunken cloth on an old garment, for its patch pulls away from the garment, and the tear becomes worse.16But no one puts a patch of unshrunken cloth on an old garment, for its patch pulls away from the garment, and the tear becomes worse.17Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise“but if not” the wineskins burst and the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are destroyed. But they put new wine into new wineskins and both are preserved.”17Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise“but if not” the wineskins burst and the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are destroyed. But they put new wine into new wineskins and both are preserved.”

Matthew 9:15 (LEB)

And Jesus said to them, “The bridegroom’s attendants“the sons of the bridal chamber” are not able to mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them. But days are coming when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.15And Jesus said to them, “The bridegroom’s attendants“the sons of the bridal chamber” are not able to mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them. But days are coming when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.

Matthew 6:24 (LEB)

“No one is able to serve two masters. For either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You are not able to serve God and money.Traditionally transliterated from the Greek as “mammon”24“No one is able to serve two masters. For either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You are not able to serve God and money.Traditionally transliterated from the Greek as “mammon”

Luke 5:36-39 (LEB)

And he also told a parable to them: “No one tears a patch from a new garment andHere “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“tears”) has been translated as a finite verb puts itsupplied from English context on an old garment. Otherwise, he will have torn the new also, and the old will not match the patch that is from the new.36And he also told a parable to them: “No one tears a patch from a new garment andHere “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“tears”) has been translated as a finite verb puts itsupplied from English context on an old garment. Otherwise, he will have torn the new also, and the old will not match the patch that is from the new.37And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the wineskins, and it will be spilled and the wineskins will be destroyed.37And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the wineskins, and it will be spilled and the wineskins will be destroyed.38But new wine must be put into new wineskins.38But new wine must be put into new wineskins.39And no one afterHere “after” is supplied as a component of the participle (“drinking”) which is understood as temporal drinking old wineThe word “wine” is not in the Greek text but is implied wants new, because he says, ‘The old is just fine!’”39And no one afterHere “after” is supplied as a component of the participle (“drinking”) which is understood as temporal drinking old wineThe word “wine” is not in the Greek text but is implied wants new, because he says, ‘The old is just fine!’”

John 2:1-11 (LEB)

The Wedding at Cana: Water Turned into WineAnd on the third day, there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.The Wedding at Cana: Water Turned into WineAnd on the third day, there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.2And both Jesus and his disciples were invited to the wedding.2And both Jesus and his disciples were invited to the wedding.3And when theHere “when” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“ran out”) wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine!”3And when theHere “when” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“ran out”) wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine!”4And Jesus said to her, “What does your concern have to do with me,“to me and to you” woman? My hour has not yet come.”4And Jesus said to her, “What does your concern have to do with me,“to me and to you” woman? My hour has not yet come.”5His mother said to the servants, “Whatever he says to you, do it!”*supplied from English context5His mother said to the servants, “Whatever he says to you, do it!”*supplied from English context6Now six stone water jars were set there, in accordance with the ceremonial cleansing of the Jews, each holding two or three measures.A “measure” was about 9 gallons (40 liters)6Now six stone water jars were set there, in accordance with the ceremonial cleansing of the Jews, each holding two or three measures.A “measure” was about 9 gallons (40 liters)7Jesus said to them, “Fill the water jars with water.” And they filled them to the brim.7Jesus said to them, “Fill the water jars with water.” And they filled them to the brim.8And he said to them, “Now draw somesupplied from English context out and take itsupplied from English context to the head steward. So they took it.*supplied from English context8And he said to them, “Now draw somesupplied from English context out and take itsupplied from English context to the head steward. So they took it.*supplied from English context9Now when the head steward tasted the water which had become wine and did not know where it was from — but the servants who had drawn the water knew — the head steward summoned the bridegroom9Now when the head steward tasted the water which had become wine and did not know where it was from — but the servants who had drawn the water knew — the head steward summoned the bridegroom10and said to him, “Everyone“every man” serves the good wine first, and whenever they are drunk, the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!”10and said to him, “Everyone“every man” serves the good wine first, and whenever they are drunk, the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!”11This beginning of signs Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee, and revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.11This beginning of signs Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee, and revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.

John 14:26 (LEB)

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name — that one will teach you all things, and will remind you of everything that I said to you.26But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name — that one will teach you all things, and will remind you of everything that I said to you.

John 1:14 (LEB)

And the Word became flesh and took up residence among us, and we saw his glory, glory as of the one and only from the Father, full of grace and truth.14And the Word became flesh and took up residence among us, and we saw his glory, glory as of the one and only from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 3:5 (LEB)

Jesus answered, “Truly, truly I say to you, unless someone is born of water and spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God.5Jesus answered, “Truly, truly I say to you, unless someone is born of water and spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God.

Acts 13:38 (LEB)

“Therefore let it be known to you, men and brothers, that through this one forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and from all the things from which you were not able to be justified by the law of Moses,38“Therefore let it be known to you, men and brothers, that through this one forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and from all the things from which you were not able to be justified by the law of Moses,

Romans 8:5-8 (LEB)

For those who are living according to the flesh are intent on the things of the flesh, but those who are living according to the Spirit are intent on the things of the Spirit.5For those who are living according to the flesh are intent on the things of the flesh, but those who are living according to the Spirit are intent on the things of the Spirit.6For the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace,6For the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace,7because the mindset of the flesh is enmity toward God, for it is not subjected to the law of God, for it is not able to do so,7because the mindset of the flesh is enmity toward God, for it is not subjected to the law of God, for it is not able to do so,8and those who are in the flesh are not able to please God.8and those who are in the flesh are not able to please God.

Galatians 3:10-12 (LEB)

Galatians 3:10-14 (LEB)

For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse, for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all the things that are written in the book of the law to do them.”from Deut 27:2610For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse, for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all the things that are written in the book of the law to do them.”from Deut 27:2611Now it is clear that no one is justified in the sight of God by the law, because “the one who is righteous will live by faith.”Or “the one who is righteous by faith will live,” a quotation from Hab 2:411Now it is clear that no one is justified in the sight of God by the law, because “the one who is righteous will live by faith.”Or “the one who is righteous by faith will live,” a quotation from Hab 2:412But the law is not from faith, but “the one who does these things will live by them.”from Lev 18:512But the law is not from faith, but “the one who does these things will live by them.”from Lev 18:513Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law byHere “by” is supplied as a component of the participle (“becoming”) which is understood as means becoming a curse for us, because it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree,”from Deut 21:2313Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law byHere “by” is supplied as a component of the participle (“becoming”) which is understood as means becoming a curse for us, because it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree,”from Deut 21:2314in order that the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.14in order that the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Colossians 3:6 (LEB)

because of which the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience,6because of which the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience,

2 Timothy 1:9 (LEB)

who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace that was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began“before times eternal”,9who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace that was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began“before times eternal”,

1 Peter 5:8 (LEB)

Be sober; be on the alert. Your adversary the devil walks around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.8Be sober; be on the alert. Your adversary the devil walks around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

Revelation 13:18 (LEB)

Here is wisdom: the one who has understanding, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man’s number,Or “it is the number of a man” and his number is six hundred sixty-six.A few significant manuscripts read “six hundred sixteen”18Here is wisdom: the one who has understanding, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man’s number,Or “it is the number of a man” and his number is six hundred sixty-six.A few significant manuscripts read “six hundred sixteen”

Revelation 21:9 (LEB)

A Description of the New JerusalemAnd one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and spoke with me, saying, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.”9A Description of the New JerusalemAnd one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and spoke with me, saying, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.”

July 21, 2019 by for_his_glory

Fruit of Love

Galatians Chapter 5

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

God gave us many commandments, but the greatest one is love, Matthew 22:36-40. Now just how does one love with all their heart, especially in a world that seems to be filled with so much hate towards one another. How many times have you hated your persecutors, but yet call yourself a Christian.

If we are led by the Spirit let us also walk in the Spirit. If we truly know God then we would know his love for us even in our own imperfections of the flesh as we allow his righteousness to perfect our spiritual inner man so we can be prepared to stand before the judgment seat of Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:10.

A sign of true faith is manifested in obedience to God’s perfect will of love that as Christ loved us and gave his life for us we should also have this same love in us for our neighbors that says Father forgive them for they know not what they do. Even through the persecutions Jesus was subjected to he never lost focus that he was in the Father’s will and what his purpose was here on earth.

Temperance is another fruit of love that we should know the mind of Christ that we will not conform to the ways of this world even though we have to live in it, but to restrain from the ways of this world as we crucify this flesh daily. If any one loves this world then the love of the Father is not in them, 1 John 2:15
**-17.**

I know it is so easy to get into the flesh, especially when someone is lashing out at you and the flesh is quick to retaliate as even I get into the flesh at times when I take my focus off God’s will and I do believe God knows we will get into the flesh at times as we are not perfect, but do strive for that perfection that is in Christ. This is where God’s grace and mercy comes in as even though we mess up at times he is quick to forgive us as we need to be quick to forgive those who come against us and never hold a grudge.

Meekness shows patience and the trying of our faith that we may be perfect and entire wanting nothing, James 1:2-4. Gentleness, goodness and faith will always bring us into submission of the perfect will of God’s love, which is the greatest gift of all. Let us display this gift of love in our own lives so others will see the love of Christ shine through us.

1 John 2:15 (LEB)

Do Not Love the WorldDo not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him,15Do Not Love the WorldDo not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him,

Matthew 22:36-40 (LEB)

“Teacher, which commandment is greatest in the law?”36“Teacher, which commandment is greatest in the law?”37And he said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’from Deut 6:537And he said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’from Deut 6:538This is the greatest and first commandment.38This is the greatest and first commandment.39And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’from Lev 19:1839And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’from Lev 19:1840On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets.”40On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets.”

2 Corinthians 5:10 (LEB)

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, in order that each one may receive back the things through the body according to what he has done, whether good or bad.10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, in order that each one may receive back the things through the body according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

Galatians 5:22 (LEB)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

James 1:2-4 (LEB)

Trials, Testing, and FaithConsider it all joy, my brothers, whenever you encounter various trials,2Trials, Testing, and FaithConsider it all joy, my brothers, whenever you encounter various trials,3because youHere “because” is supplied as a component of the participle (“know”) which is understood as causal know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.3because youHere “because” is supplied as a component of the participle (“know”) which is understood as causal know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.4And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.4And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.

July 18, 2019 by hldude

Wake-Up Call

“Wake-Up Call”

By Zach Wood

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

We’ve all had experiences that have either scared us or gotten our attention to the point where we make a change. We’ve had friends and family scare us to be funny and we have done the same to others as well. We’ve had moments where certain things scare us in one way or another. Alarm clocks can scare us awake sometimes, right? We don’t like them. I don’t like mine! Why is that little box making that annoying sound?? I want to sleep!!

We all get scared by different things. We also have experiences where our attention quickly focuses back onto someone or something. As humans, we easily become distracted and taken off-course from where we should be focused. It happens every day. I often tell people I have a bad memory. Some things I remember and other things I have to be reminded constantly of because I forget. I hate that! I need to be reminded as well as many of you. We all need reminded of things and need our attention redirected often.

We all need so-called “wake-up calls”. We don’t like them at first, but we find that they are just what we need to refocus on whatever task we need to focus on. God has to do this often in our lives. He works hard to give us “wake-up call” moments so that we will get back into gear and on to the path where He wants us. His Word is full of wisdom, advice and commands to help get us back on the path where we need to be.

His Word should inspire us and teach us what is Truth and make us realize what we are doing wrong in our lives so that we can come back to following Him. His Word points out the bad in our lives so that we will repent and turn back to Him. His Word is alive and active and penetrates deeply into our very souls. His Word is powerful and it needs to often “set us straight” again.

I know we often don’t like the “wake-up calls” we get, but we know we need them and we come to appreciate the ways God uses to bring our attention back to focusing on Him. His Word is to be a lamp unto our feet and a light for our path.

We all need to heed His “wake-up calls”!

Weekly Devotional Blog Site www.zwdevotions.com

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (LEB)

All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness,16All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness,17in order that the person of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.17in order that the person of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

July 10, 2019 by hldude

The Continued Challenge To Love

“The Continued Challenge To Love”

By Zach Wood

2 John 1:6 NLT

Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning.

If you were to ask me if I love my family, I would quickly give you an answer of “Of course! Why wouldn’t I?” I strive hard every day to be the husband and father that I know I need to be for my family. It is quite the challenge each day, but I am trying hard and asking God to give me the strength and wisdom I need to be not only a good husband and father, but a Godly one most of all.

While I strive hard to be loving in my home, I also need to remember that I am commanded to love those outside my home as well. I am called to love other people in my family, my co-workers and others I come in contact with on a daily basis. I may not be close to every single person I meet, but God has given me the charge to do my best to love everyone I meet.

Loving can be downright hard to do at times. I find that there are really easy people to love and then there are really difficult people to love. Then, I remember a quote I read recently from TobyMac that says, “Love difficult people. You are one of them.” Ouch! Just a huge dose of reality there! When I think it’s challenging to love others, others find it challenging to love me as well. Tough pill to swallow!

We all have a continued challenge to love others. Every day of my life, I am trying to learn more of what it means to not only love God, but how He wants me to love people around me. In doing that, I am loving God when I love others. It is often hard to love others! We all struggle with it. When we consider it tough to love difficult people, just remember how challenging it was when Christ poured out love to others even when people spit in His face and when they crucified Him. He prayed for them! Wow!

What is our problem with loving other people? God has commanded us to set aside petty differences and do our best to appreciate one another. Even dealing with differences that are hard to live with, we still need to make an effort to show love in any ways we can. We should not only love because He tells us to, but we should desire to love because He loved us and His unconditional love drove Him to the Cross to demonstrate that love. Now that is a dose of deep love!

We have a continued challenge to love each day. What will we do with that challenge?

Weekly Devotional Blog Site www.zwdevotions.com

2 John 1:6 (LEB)

And this is love: that we walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.6And this is love: that we walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.